This one does not surprise me at all. I have been speculating that this was on the way for a while now. Delta pilots have had union representation and still have pay levels up to 30% lower than they were before Delta’s bankruptcy.
This round it is IAM trying to be the union to represent the FAs. On their web site they say:
“This is an historic day for these courageous Flight Attendants,” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger. “The IAM stands firmly behind the Delta Flight Attendants’ effort to win a strong voice in their profession and stability in a volatile industry.”
Delta, in “The Street” piece, was clearly against the idea as they would like not having to answer to a union when it comes to negotiations with those who work for the airline. They have even, as we have seen in DTW, outsourced as much as possible.
My personal take on this is from a Diamond Medallion and Delta frequent flyer perspective. Delta has shown over the past few years very little concern for me as a loyal traveler. If they are willing to treat me this way, I can only imagine how they do and may deal with FAs. So, I am all for this as a way to give those who work so hard (impressively so) some control over Delta.
I just wish we frequent flyers could form a union to stop many of the choices Delta has made this year since so many are basically HUB captives to the airline. – René
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While I support the FA right to vote on this I think unionized FA will in the end make our experience with Delta worse. You can not look at the other airlines with poor customer service ratings like UA and not conclude unionized FA is part of the problem.
A union is not a good thing for the customer experience as DDiamond points out.
The profit sharing for FAs has been a nice win with a successful operation. And for years you could tell something ‘different’ about Delta flight attendants, in small part a result of their non-union success and fleixble work rules.
That said, I think the days of Delta massively outdelivering United and American are done, as United has stabilized and is moving upward. American…we will see where it flies through the merger process.
I can’t think about one good thing that will come from the FA’s joining that union. It will come back to bite the consumer in many ways. I would be entertained if someone could tell me the good that can come from this from the side of the customer.
nothing good comes of more unions esp the machinist union???? for FA’S nuts
funny every one keeps saying look at UN BUT facts are the #1 an # 2 ailrines with highest voted FAs are wm and aS and the yare bot hunion so for my 2cents union has nothing to do with service but upper mang treating their F/As with respect
We do have a union as frequent flyers. Its called our wallet. I have voted against Delta but not flying them. For the first time in 10 years I do not hold MEA (now delta) status